06-24-2021, 10:50 AM
(06-24-2021, 09:40 AM)Razzmatazz_Hopskidillydoo Wrote: Batum is good and he is a useful player, but Batum over Lauri? I know the Mavs are in win now mode because of a top 5 player, but Lauri still holds a lot of promise and could be a missed opportunity once again. Remember Dirk is on board and can have a defined/different role by the start of the season. And who knows? maybe Dirk can teach Lauri to be a better rebounder, teach him some of the swipes he makes as a defender, maybe some moves to punish smaller defenders, or make his face-up game better.
My issues with Lauri is that he is another soft slow footed front court player. It's hard to imagine having a good defense with him on the court, especially with this team. The guy could not even hold a starting job in Chicago. I realize he may have been mishandled, and he has a silky smooth shot, but I don't see him ever being able to protect the rim or the perimeter. It's so far from what we need. If Batum can replicate what he was this year for another couple of years, it would be an easy call for me.